SOUTHEND United centre-back Adam Thompson feels he could not have done much more against Leyton Orient - but is still not sure he will keep his place in the Shrimpers starting line-up.

Thompson - who had been on the bench for Blues’ two previous games - came back into the team for Tuesday night’s 1-0 win against the O’s in the EFL Trophy.

However, the 24-year-old defender would not be surprised if he is back on the bench at Rochdale on Saturday.

“As a defender you can’t really do much more than keeping a clean sheet so I was happy we got one but I’m not sure the manager will change it for Saturday,” said Thompson.

“Obviously it’s disappointing and frustrating not to be in the team and any footballer would say the same. But it’s up to the manager what he decides to do and all you can do is be ready for the next chance that comes your way.”

Thompson was handed an opportunity by boss Phil Brown against Orient.

And he was happy to have helped the Shrimpers secure a 1-0 victory.

“It was a scrappy game in all honesty but I was looking through the Orient squad before the game and it’s really strong, especially for a club in League Two,” said Thompson.

“They have some very good players so I knew it was going to be a difficult game but maybe we made it a bit tougher than it needed to be.

“It was still pleasing to get the win though and we were all really happy to have got the clean sheet as well.”

Blues boss Brown must now decide whether or not to recall Adam Barrett and Anton Ferdinand - who were both rested against the O’s - for Saturday’s League One clash at Rochdale.

But Thompson insists he is perfectly comfortable playing in Blues’ new system which includes three centre-backs.

“I played there before coming out of the team and I quite enjoyed it,” said Thompson ahead of Saturdays match at Spotland.

“I was sweeping up behind the other two and felt fine playing that role.

“However, it’s down to the manager who he picks and there’s not much else I can do.”